Sunday, June 4, 2017

Movie Review … Wonder Woman

Created by psychiatrist William Moulton Marston in 1941, Wonder Woman has become an enduring heroine.  Fighting for justice and peace, one of the world’s first female superheroes still remains popular.  Those who grew up watching the classic 1970’s TV series with Lynda Carter still hold the actress in high regard for her dignified portrayal.  She personified the role for generations and anyone following her would have a very difficult time making the role their own.  Thankfully Gal Gadot does a more than credible job as Wonder Woman as her character fights for the rights of moviegoers everywhere.

Diana (Gal Gadot) is an Amazonian princess living on a tropical island with her powerfully gifted people.  Life is tranquil until military pilot Steve Trevor (Chris Pine) washes ashore after his plane crashes. Fighting the German army during World War 1, Trevor is transfixed when he meets Diana.  The feeling becomes mutual as Diana decides to join him in fighting his enemies.  Among them is German General Ludendorff (Danny Huston) who holds a deep secret spurning Diana to continue her cause as superhero Wonder Woman.

‘Wonder Woman’ is a movie crafted with care.  Director Patty Jenkins is clearly a fan of the character and all her incarnations.  The strong-willed Amazonian is perfectly brought to cinematic life with Gadot making for a splendid hero.  Her efforts are made easier by an interesting script using the ‘fish out of water’ theme well.  While Steve Trevor is amazed by Diana’s background, so too is she of his with both learning each other’s strengths.  How they face their opponents make them stronger people with Diana’s intelligence as well as her physicality making her especially lethal.

As is obligatory for such a film ‘Wonder Woman’ has an abundance of CGI-infused action.  Instead of distracting the audience with fast-paced incident, Jenkins wisely allows the viewer to see each sequence in detail.  We come to feel Diana’s passion and growing determination to defeat evil.  The use of slow-motion during the action scenes highlights these well.  Whilst the villains aren’t as strong as preferred, the story isn’t about them and more the general ways of humankind Diana discovers.

Although for ‘vintage viewers’ like myself who will always admire the classic TV series, ‘Wonder Woman’ the movie is equally as good.  A solid slice of super-heroic entertainment, it’s a fun, dramatic and exciting ride that does the iconic female hero the justice she deserves.

 
Movie Review Rating out of 10:  8

Movie Review by Patrick Moore

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Patrick Moore's Movie Review is an alternative look at movie releases in Australia.


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